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Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
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Contribution of the von Willebrand factor/ADAMTS13 imbalance to COVID-19 coagulopathy

Ryan Seth1, Thomas A J McKinnon2, X Frank Zhang1

  • 1Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology
|December 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Severe COVID-19 is linked to blood clotting issues, potentially involving the Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and ADAMTS13. Understanding this VWF/ADAMTS13 axis may guide new therapies for COVID-19 coagulopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, primarily affects the respiratory system but is associated with significant thrombotic events, especially in severe cases and nonsurvivors.
  • While COVID-19-related coagulopathy and hypercoagulability are known, the precise mechanisms, particularly concerning microthrombosis and inflammatory endothelial injury, require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on the role of the Von Willebrand factor (VWF)/ADAMTS13 axis in COVID-19-associated thrombotic events.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting the VWF/ADAMTS13 pathway to mitigate coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of studies investigating coagulation abnormalities in COVID-19.
  • Analysis of the interplay between endothelial injury, VWF, and ADAMTS13 in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 is associated with observed microthrombosis, suggesting a role for inflammatory endothelial injury.
  • The VWF/ADAMTS13 axis is critical for hemostasis following endothelial injury and is implicated in COVID-19 thrombotic events.

Conclusions:

  • The VWF/ADAMTS13 axis is a potential key player in the thrombotic complications of COVID-19.
  • Targeting this axis offers promising therapeutic avenues for managing coagulopathy and preventing thrombotic progression in COVID-19 patients.

Keywords:
COVID-19coagulopathyendotheliumthrombosisvon Willebrand factor

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